Dandruff can be described as a dry, flaky skin on the scalp and it is a common and annoying problem. The usual cause of dandruff is a condition known as seborrhoeic dermatitis, which produces an itchy, scaly rash on the scalp. Dandruff can sometimes occur in other areas other than the hair scalp such as the eyebrows, beard, chest, back and even the groin area and the skin on these areas may look red and inflamed.
Both dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis are thought of to be triggered by hypersensitivity to a yeast called pityrosporum. Everyone has small quantities of this yeast on their skin but in people with scaly scalp problems, it may be present in large numbers.
Natural Cures for Dandruff
Dry, scaly skin is sometimes linked with lack of certain health vitamins and minerals, especially health vitamins A, B2, B3, C, biotin and the natural supplements such as minerals iodine, manganese, selenium and zinc. A good multi-nutritional health supplement containing around 100 per cent of the recommended daily amount of as many health vitamins and minerals as possible may be helpful.
Natural products such as evening primrose oil and fish oil natural supplements are also recommended as natural remedies for dandruff. These natural products and natural supplements contain essential fatty acids that are important for healthy skin.
You may also find that rubbing your scalp with a solution of seven drops of natural products such as rosemary or tea tree essential oils diluted with 1 tablespoon (15ml) of natural products such as carrier oil before washing your hair is also one of the good natural cures for dandruff.
Natural products such as a shampoo that contains anti-fungal drug, ketoconazole, is also available over the counter and highly effective as natural treatment for dandruff.
Other conventional natural treatment of dandruff that are used in adults includes natural supplements such as zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur and salicylic acid, or tar shampoo. For severe dandruff, hydrocortisone cream is used. In some patients ketoconazole cream is used.
In terms of diet as one of the natural remedies for dandruff it is highly advised that fried foods be avoided. Also part of the diet changes included in the natural remedies for dandruff is to reduce intake of fats, dairy products, sugars, chocolate, seafood, and peanuts. As a dandruff natural cure, it is well recommended that one increases his or her intake of health foods such as green leafy vegetables and raw natural foods. Eating a whole natural foods diet is also part of the dandruff natural treatment.
Health supplements such biotin which is a water-soluble B health vitamins that helps to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins can also help in the natural cure of dandruff. A typical dosage of this health supplement for dandruff is 3,000 mcg two times per day. Health food sources of biotin include brewer’s yeast, nutritional yeast, whole grains, nuts, egg yolks, sardines, liver, cauliflower, bananas, and mushrooms.
Health supplements such as B complex health vitamins, especially health vitamins B1 and B2 and A health vitamins are also good in aiding natural cures for dandruff. Nutritional supplements omega fatty acids, especially omega-6 and zinc are also wonderful natural remedies for dandruff.
Other Natural Remedies for Dandruff
Here are some other well recommended natural remedies for dandruff that you can try:
Natural Remedy #1: Grapefruit seed extract – A few drops of grapefruit seed extract can be added to shampoo.
Natural Remedy #2: Tea tree oil – Look for a tea tree oil shampoo or add a few drops of tea tree oil to shampoo.
Natural Remedy #3: Apple cider vinegar – Pour apple cider vinegar onto your hair and scalp and wrap your head in a towel. Remove after one hour and wash hair.
Natural Remedy #4: Selenium-based shampoo – Selenium acts as an anti-fungal agent.
Natural Remedy #5: Natural products such flaxseed oil or E health vitamins in oil form – Apply these oils to the scalp nightly and wash off in the morning. They can soothe and nourish the scalp. Use an old sheet or towel to protect your pillow.
Recommended Supplements to Take
The following supplements are know to aid in the fight against Dandruff. Keep in mind that not every nutrient or supplement you swallow is absorbed by your body! Please read carefully the tab on the top of this page called HEALTH RESOURCES! It will explain to you why it is important to take the right supplements and nutrients. Our recommendations below we feel will give you the best possible nutrients and supplements on the market!
Essential Nutrients and Herbs to Take:
Please check with your doctor before taking any supplements, and also read the warning labels on each product, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In addition, read the labels carefully when giving your child any natural supplement, to ensure that it is safe to give a child.